Anaplasma phagocytophilum (HGA) Antibody, IgM
Also known as: HGE IGM
Use
The Anaplasma phagocytophilum (HGA) Antibody, IgM test is primarily used to detect IgM antibodies in the acute phase of infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). Detecting these antibodies helps determine a current or recent infection. It is recommended to perform this test alongside IgG testing for comprehensive results. Concurrent PCR testing might offer more precise diagnostic accuracy, as PCR is preferred for detecting the pathogen directly.
Special Instructions
Specimens should be marked as "acute" or "convalescent" when sent for testing, especially if parallel testing of convalescent specimens is conducted. It's critical to ensure serum separation from cells is performed as soon as possible or within two hours of collection to maintain the integrity of the sample. Convalescent samples need to arrive within 30 days of the acute samples for accurate comparison.
Limitations
The test may not detect Anaplasma IgM antibodies in the early stages of infection, which could lead to false-negative results. Conditions such as bacterial contamination, hemolysis, icterus, or lipemia could lead to rejection of the sample. The test’s performance has not been evaluated by the FDA, and results should be interpreted within the entirety of clinical findings, including patient’s history and symptoms. The test's utility decreases if the individual is not in the acute phase of the disease, as IgM antibodies are primarily present during this period.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Indirect Fluorescent Antibody)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 23878-2
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
ARUP standard transport tube
Collection Instructions
Collect the sample using a Serum Separator Tube (SST) and separate the serum from cells as soon as possible or within 2 hours of collection.
Storage Instructions
Store the serum refrigerated after separation from cells. Ambient stability is 48 hours, refrigerated for 2 weeks, and frozen for 1 year.
Causes for Rejection
Bacterially contaminated, heat inactivated, hemolyzed, icteric, lipemic, or turbid specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 1 year |